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Quick answer
- Around 6 to 8 drinks a day is a guide, with more when hot or active.
- Tea, coffee, milk and water all count.
- Pale straw-coloured pee is a good sign.
Being even a little dehydrated can bring on headaches and tiredness, which nobody needs on top of cramps. And the NHS advice for bloating includes drinking plenty of water.
This is a guide, not a target to hit. You may need more if it is hot, you are exercising, you are ill, or you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Water, lower-fat milk and lower-sugar drinks, including tea and coffee, all count. If a doctor has told you to limit fluids, follow their advice.
Signs you need a drink
- Feeling thirsty
- Dark yellow, strong-smelling pee
- Peeing less often than usual
- Feeling dizzy, tired or headachy
- A dry mouth, lips or tongue
MythDrinking water makes period bloating worse.
The NHS bloating advice actually includes drinking plenty of water. Fizzy drinks are more likely to add gas, as they can bring bloating on.
Sources
Written by the Splash teamSources checked
This is general information, not medical advice. Splash can’t diagnose. If you’re worried, talk to a GP, pharmacist or sexual health clinic. In an emergency call 999 (UK) or 911 (US). How we write and check articles.